Two years ago, a veteran approached me with an idea that has stayed close to my heart, the creation of a Veterans Services Advisory Board to help veterans in our county navigate available services and to give veterans a voice in shaping those programs. I decided to attend this month's board meeting to check on their progress. I was reminded just how critical these services are and how challenging it still is to know where to start.

With the board’s support, I asked our county staff to create a one-page crisis resource flyer that can be shared throughout the community, ensuring that veterans have quick access to essential services. We are also working on a comprehensive online landing page that will include employment opportunities, transportation options, legal assistance, community organizations, veteran events, and county agenda items that impact veterans.

This cause is personal for me. My father was a veteran, so I understand firsthand how complicated navigating these systems can be. While we continue to develop the landing page, I wanted to share a few emergency crisis resources and the largest South Florida veterans Facebook group to help veterans access immediate support. If you have information you’d like to see included on the landing page, please contact my office.

Additionally, after seeing how valuable these discussions are, I plan to include a Veterans Services section in my newsletter so that we can share resources and updates each month, helping our veterans and their families access the services they need more easily.

You must be enrolled in the VA to access a number of these resources—call 561-422-8262 for help getting started.

Emergency Hotlines:

• Veterans Crisis Hotline: Call or text 988 then press 1 or chat online at www.veteranscrisisline.net. No enrollment required; can remain anonymous.

• National Homeless Veterans Call Center: Call (877) 424-3838 where trained counselors are ready to talk confidentially.

Housing and Homelessness:

• Palm Beach County Human Services: Call (561) 355-4775 for assistance with emergency rent and utility payments, food vouchers, indigent cremation, and other support services.

• Stand Down House: Call (561) 968-1612 for emergency transitional housing for veterans experiencing addiction, mental health challenges, or PTSD.

• Salvation Army Center of Hope: Call (561) 682-1118 for transitional housing for eligible male veterans.

Emergency Support Services:

• Wounded Veterans Relief Fund: Call (561) 855-4207 for help with emergency financial needs and critical dental care.

Emergency Counseling/Mental Health:

• Palm Beach Vet Center (561) 422-1201 and Jupiter Vet Center (561) 422-1220: Call for counseling services for depression, PTSD, and other related mental health concerns.

Community Facebook Group:

• Veterans of South Florida: A community for veterans to support one another by accessing resources, sharing events, submitting requests, and posting veteran-related information.

For any veteran-related questions, call our Community Services Hotline at 833-CSD-WILL.  

Thank you for allowing me to serve those who have served us. Your input is always welcome. Together, we can ensure that every veteran in our community has the support they deserve.

I am thrilled to see the Homebuyer Match Pilot Program come to fruition, a program I initiated to help more residents in Palm Beach County achieve the dream of homeownership.

This innovative program provides a dollar-for-dollar match with funds from the Workforce Housing Program in-lieu fund for up to $50,000 toward the purchase of an eligible for-sale home, making it easier for hardworking families to put down roots in our county.

The pre-application portal will open on March 30, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. and will close on April 20, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. A total of 30 applicants will be selected from the submitted pre-applications.

Informational orientations for interested parties are tentatively scheduled for:

• March 3 at 2:00 p.m.
• March 12 at 7:30 a.m.
• March 17 at 4:00 p.m.
• March 24 at 10:00 a.m.

I am embarking on a Property Taxes “Tour” throughout District 4, meeting directly with local HOA communities to discuss property taxes and the county budget. As this topic continues to be widely discussed at the state level, I believe it is important to engage directly with residents here in Palm Beach County.

I will provide a brief, 30-minute presentation that includes clear, hard numbers on our budget, potential reductions, and the services property taxes support.

We will also include an interactive poll to gather real-time feedback and better understand your perspectives.

If you would like me to visit your community, please have your HOA president or designated representative contact my office at 561-355-2204 to schedule a date.

Palm Beach County is conducting a Project Development & Environment (PD&E) Study to replace the George Bush Boulevard Bascule Bridge in Delray Beach, a key connection between downtown and the barrier island communities for vehicles, bicycles, pedestrians, and transit users.

The study will evaluate alternatives to improve safety, reliability, and multimodal access, including options for a new bascule bridge with ADA-compliant sidewalks, wider shoulders, raised-barrier walkways, and corridor traffic enhancements. The U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) is serving as the Lead Federal Agency for this study.

Community input is welcome. For more information, contact Project Manager Michael Sileno, P.E., at msileno@hardestyhanover.com.

We’re gearing up for the March BCC Zoning Hearing on March 26, and courtesy notices have been sent to residents in the areas. All published Public Hearing Courtesy Notices can be found here.

The notices below include some of the applications scheduled for review. Visit the link above to see the full list of applications and stay informed about upcoming zoning decisions.

• Falls PUD

ULDC Related Items:

• Freestanding Emergency Department (FSED)- Privately Proposed Revision Phase 2 Second Reading and Adoption
• Fitness Center in Industrial - Privately Proposed Revision Phase 1
• Workforce Housing Program - Unencumbered Units Exception for 100% Workforce For-Sale Projects
• Bamboo Lane Enclave Annexation
• Countywide Transportation Master Plan (CTMP) Project Progress Report
• Village of Wellington SR 80 Interlocal Service Boundary Agreement (ISBA) for future annexation
• IFB 25-06/AS Lime Sludge Loading Recommendation Contract Awardee Devland Site Paving and Utilities Inc.

Palm Beach County's 2025 Uniform Municipal Elections are fast approaching. Here are the key dates to know:

The deadline to request a Vote-by-Mail ballot is 5:00 p.m. on February 26, 2026.

The Supervisor of Elections Office must receive your Vote-by-Mail ballot by 7:00 p.m. on Election Day, Tuesday, March 10, 2026.

Election Day is Tuesday, March 10, 2026. Polls are open from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Note that each municipality has its own rules, and some may require a run-off election. Only residents within a municipality's boundaries are eligible to vote in that election. If you're unsure of your municipality, check your voter registration card or call (561) 656-6200.

Participating municipalities include: Boynton Beach, Belle Glade, Boca Raton, Delray Beach, Greenacres, Gulf Stream, Hypoluxo, Juno Beach, Jupiter Inlet Colony, Lake Park, Lake Worth Beach, Loxahatchee Groves, Palm Beach, Palm Beach Gardens, Palm Beach Shores, Royal Palm Beach, South Palm Beach, Wellington, and West Palm Beach.

Each month, the Board of County Commissioners approves a wide range of important agenda items that impact areas such as engineering, facilities, housing, airports and more. Here are some key items this month:

• Adopted a resolution amending the Administrative Code to conform to recent changes to the Procurement Code, the Small Business Development Code, and the Small Business Development Ordinance.
• Approved a pilot program utilizing Opioid Settlement Funds, in an amount not to exceed $500,000, to support the acquisition of 5-6 tiny home units in the amount of $100,000 for each unit. These units will be on property currently managed by a nonprofit treatment facility.
• The Board directed staff to continue their negotiations with Related Ross, LLC on a second PBC Convention Center hotel.
• Approved an agreement with the National Council for Community Development, Inc, also known as Grow America, in the amount of $140,000 for the period of Feb. 3, 2026, to Sept. 30, 2027, to support the implementation of a Small Business Training and Development Program.
• Approved the corresponding budget transfers necessary to reallocate the Criminal Justice Commission (CJC) budget to the Public Safety Department (PSD) department code. 

~SouthTech Academy Tour~

I recently toured SouthTech Academy (STA), a tuition-free public charter school serving Palm Beach County students in grades 9–12. STA offers 11 career academies, including auto service, culinary, health care and cosmetology focused on industry certifications and workforce-ready skills, and proudly maintains a 100% graduation rate.

Thank you to Principal Josh Wigelsworth and the leadership team for the overview and insight into their career and technical education programs.

~Forum Club of the Palm Beaches~

I had the privilege of attending the sold-out Forum Club of the Palm Beaches event featuring Citadel Founder and CEO Ken Griffin. More than 700 guests heard an engaging discussion on leadership, the global economy, financial markets, and philanthropy.

Founded in 1990, Citadel now manages over $65 billion while supporting transformative work in cancer immunotherapy and scientific research. It was an inspiring afternoon alongside many community leaders, including Melissa L. Nash, Madison Andrews, Hal Valeche, Richard Johnston, and Pam Rauch.

~Groundbreaking for Water Treatment Plant~

I was pleased to attend the groundbreaking for Delray Beach’s new water treatment plant, a $287 million project that will include a 22-MGD nanofiltration facility, six new wells, and an administration building, with completion expected in 2028. You may have seen PFAS in the news and Delray Beach is on the cutting edge of dealing with this emerging issue.

It was great to join city leaders and project partners in marking this important investment in our water future. I’m proud to support infrastructure that strengthens our community for generations to come.

~Animal Care and Control Expansion~

I was thrilled to attend the Palm Beach County Animal Care & Control Expansion Groundbreaking alongside my fellow commissioners, staff, and dedicated volunteers.

This long-awaited $73 million project will modernize medical facilities, expand spay and neuter services, and add air conditioning to the kennels, with completion in 2029 and doors opening in 2027. Thank you to ACC Director Janet Steele for her leadership and to the adorable adoptable dogs and PBSO horses who made the day even more special!

~State-Facilitated Retirement Savings Program~

I joined leaders from across the country at the State-Facilitated Retirement Savings Program Network Conference at the University of Miami to discuss financial health, retirement readiness, and the role of technology and AI.

Sessions explored state program trends, legislative strategies, and support for gig workers, including a fireside chat with AARP’s Debra Whitman on midlife financial planning. It was great to attend alongside Meri Weymer from Palm Beach County, especially as the Florida Legislature considers forming a task force on this important issue.

~Hearts of Hope Luncheon~

Proud to join community leaders at the Alzheimer’s Community Care (ACC) Hearts of Hope Luncheon celebrating the organization’s 30th anniversary.

Congratulations to Pamela Higer-Polani, recipient of this year's Hearts of ACC Award, and thank you to Kristin M. Beck for her inspiring remarks.

Proceeds from the luncheon at The Addison support ACC's vital programs, helping families keep their loved ones safe and cared for at home. Since 1996, the organization has grown into Florida’s largest provider of community-based, dementia-specific services.

~Wall Street South Luncheon~

Palm Beach County’s rise as a global wealth hub was on full display at the Wall Street South Luncheon, hosted by the Business Development Board at the Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts.

Panelists managing more than $300 billion in assets shared insights on why major financial firms are expanding here and what that growth means for our local economy.

Congratulations to the inaugural Wall Street South Stock Pitch Competition champions (pictured above) who delivered their winning presentation live.

~Amplifying Impact for Communities~

Big things happening for our community at the launch of Amplifying Impact for Communities, a new social enterprise by Community Partners of South Florida expanding its impact across Palm Beach County.

Congratulations to Jaime-Lee A. Bradshaw on stepping into her new role as President!

Grateful to connect with local leaders, and special thanks to Gregory Eaton, owner of Eat N’ Cake Cupcakery & Café, for hosting. Excited to see the positive difference this initiative will make!

Barky Pines Animal Rescue & Sanctuary is a local nonprofit dedicated to rescuing homeless, unwanted, senior, and special needs pets in Palm Beach County, giving them a second chance at loving forever homes.

Founded in 2015, Barky Pines operates with a devoted team and volunteers who care for animals that might otherwise be euthanized, providing rehabilitation in a loving, home-like environment. They also focus on matching pets with seniors, veterans, and individuals in rehabilitation programs to foster meaningful human-animal connections.

Beyond adoptions, Barky Pines runs a low-cost veterinary clinic offering spay/neuter services and affordable care, helping pets stay healthy while reducing overpopulation.

As many of you know, I have adopted two wonderful dogs from Barky Pines, Fritz and Toby, and they have truly completed our family alongside Michael and Zoey (pictured above).

Recently, we bundled up and headed out to their 7th Annual Puppy Love 5K to cheer on participants and show our support for this incredible organization. A heartfelt thank you goes to Elizabeth Accomando for the invitation to be the grand marshall and most importantly, for bringing Fritz and Toby into our lives!

Palm Beach County is supported by nearly 40 departments and divisions, with more than 7,000 employees working every day to serve our county.

This month I am highlighting the Environmental Resources Management (ERM) department. I recently had the opportunity to visit Hungryland Slough Natural Area with ERM Director Deborah Drum, HR Director David Kahn, and ERM staff, and it was a great reminder of the important work this department does for our county.

Hungryland Slough is a 3,004-acre preserve featuring eight native ecosystems and a wide variety of wildlife, including alligators, otters, bobcats, and wading birds. I had the chance to ride the swamp buggy and learn about controlled burns firsthand. It was a wonderful experience that highlights just how diverse Palm Beach County is, from our beaches to our wetlands, and a good example of the public spaces ERM works hard to protect and maintain.

ERM is dedicated to protecting, preserving, and enhancing the county's natural resources on land, in water, and below it. The department oversees a broad range of programs that touch nearly every corner of our environment, from protecting beaches, dunes, and shorelines from erosion, to restoring the Lake Worth Lagoon estuary, to monitoring sea turtle nesting and manatee populations. ERM also manages the county's artificial reef program, mosquito control program, and oversees permitting and regulation related to land clearing and vegetation removal.

Shore protection is a particular priority, with the department coordinating coastal restoration efforts to safeguard both our natural shoreline and the communities that depend on it.

For FY 2026, ERM's operating budget is $77,322,480, supported by $55,721,084 in revenues and $21,601,396 in net ad valorem funding. The Capital Improvement Program (CIP) budget stands at $85,097,824, reflecting the county's ongoing investment in environmental infrastructure and restoration.

On the coastal front, ERM manages the county's beaches, dunes, and inlets, working to maintain the health and stability of these critical ecosystems. As part of this mission, shore protection is a top priority, managing beach erosion, maintaining healthy dune systems, and coordinating coastal restoration efforts to protect both our natural shoreline and the communities that depend on it.

For residents who want to explore the outdoors, ERM maintains a network of multiuse trails open to hikers, cyclists, and equestrians, and offers guided hikes and paddle experiences through its Adventure Awaits outreach program. The public can also get involved through volunteer opportunities and even adopt a natural area.

And if you need a moment to recharge during the workday, ERM offers live beach and inlet webcams, a quick way to check in on our beautiful coastline without ever leaving your desk.

So the next time you are hiking a county trail, spotting a sea turtle nest, or enjoying our beautiful coastline, that is the work of ERM happening behind the scenes every single day.

We had some brilliant minds tackle our December trivia question: "In what year did the South Florida Fair begin?" A round of applause for everyone who selected 1912.

We welcome your feedback on our District 4 newsletter. Please let us know if you found this information helpful and what else you would like to know.